Getting to Moraine Lake in 2024 is the same as 2023, when Moraine Lake Road was closed to personal vehicles. Moraine Lake shuttles are the best way to Moraine Lake from Lake Louise and Banff, but there are other options.

Moraine Lake Road Seasonal Closure

Moraine Lake Road has a seasonal closure between mid-October and early June. During this period there is no access for any vehicles, including shuttle buses. The road usually opens in early June when snowmelt and avalanche risk allows. During this period, Moraine Lake Road is open to non-motorized traffic, making it a popular route for biking in the period between snowmelt and the road opening to vehicle traffic.

Lake Louise to Moraine Lake Shuttle

Between early June and early October, Parks Canada shuttles depart for Moraine Lake from the Lake Louise Ski Resort (also called the Lake Louise Park and Ride) daily between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Reservations for shuttles open in spring and additional seats are released for sale online 8 a.m. two days prior to departure day. There are no walk-ons. You must have an outbound reservation.

Reservations for travel from Moraine Lake back to Lake Louise Ski Resort are not required. Instead, you can stay as long as you choose and either return directly or jump aboard the Lake Connector shuttle to Lake Louise. Another source of local transit information is pc.gc.ca/banffnow.

Banff to Moraine Lake Shuttle

ROAM buses are the most comfortable way to reach Moraine Lake from Banff.

The easiest way to travel between Banff and Moraine Lake in fall is with ROAM TRANSIT which operates service between September and early October from outside the Banff High School. You will need to make reservations online through ROAM Transit to ensure a seat

Moraine Lake Tour

Taking a Moraine Lake Tour with a local company ensures you get to see the lake. These are offered by Discover Banff Tours, Pursuit, and WOW Banff. Unfortunately, these tours do not allow time for hiking, or will they get you to Moraine Lake earlier enough to see the sunrise.

Riding a bike to Moraine Lake

Riding a bike to Moraine Lake is possible. Moraine Lake Road is 12.5 km (7.8 miles) long and paved the entire way. E-bikes are allowed on this road at any time of day or night. Vehicle parking is limited at the Lake Louise end of the road, so add another 2 km (1.2 miles) of steep uphill on Lake Louise Road and you will find plenty of parking in and around the village (The parking lot at Samson Mall is reserved for shoppers, so don’t park there). Wilson Mountain Sports in Lake Louise Village has bike rentals.

Stay at Moraine Lake Lodge

If you stay at Moraine Lake Lodge, your reservation includes a vehicle tag that allows you to drive Moraine Lake Road to the lake. It also means you can get up early to watch the sunrise and be present to watch the sunset. Moraine Lake Lodge is one of the most iconic accommodations in the Canadian Rockies, with upscale guest rooms, some with lake views, a restaurant, and a gift shop.